Naming ElderShield on Enrolment and Payout Adequacy

22 Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Health (a) whether it is appropriate to name ElderShield as such when enrolment into the scheme starts at the age of 40; (b) whether the monthly payout of $300 and $400 for up to 60 and 72 months respectively is sufficient for a person meeting the criteria of severe disability; and (c) over the last decade, how many people have opted out of ElderShield.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The ElderShield Review Committee (ESRC) is in the process of reviewing the ElderShield scheme, including the payout quantum and duration. It has consulted widely and obtained valuable inputs from stakeholders. The Government Parliamentary Committee for Health has also submitted a report to the Committee. ESRC will be making its recommendations to the Government by the middle of the year.

ElderShield is an insurance scheme that provides basic protection against the costs of long-term care arising from severe disability, especially in old age when such risks are higher. Enrolment to the current ElderShield scheme begins at age 40 to allow policyholders to pay their premiums during their working years from age 40 to 65. Coverage will start from age 40, with lifetime protection for the policyholders as they age and become elderly over time.

The opt-out rate for ElderShield was 11% in 2007 and this has decreased to 5% in 2016.